PROJECT MELT

Manufacturing of Experimental Layer Technology (MELT) project’s goal was to design, develop and test a fully functional ALM (Additive Layer Manufacturing) breadboard model (3D printer), able to work under the ISS’s (International Space Station) microgravity conditions and 3D print with engineering polymers with high end mechanical and thermal properties.

Since early 2016, the consortium formed by 4 european companies,

has been working on this ESA’s challenging project, and after successfully proving its performance and functionality, the new 3D printer has been delivered to

The impact of this innovation in space exploration

The impact of this innovation in space exploration

Is the ability to manufacture necessary structures, spares, in situ and on demand reducing the cost, volume, and up-mass constraints that could forbid launching everything needed for long-duration or long distance missions from Earth.

Additive Layer Manufacturing breadboard

Additive Layer Manufacturing breadboard

This machine was designed according to very demanding ESA requirements. It was built using space grade certified materials and with the exact weight and size to fit inside the ISS.

3D printing filaments

3D printing filaments

Engineering polymers with high end mechanical and thermal properties such as PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone) and others. These 3D printed parts in high performance polymers with lower density than metal can replace metal parts in many applications inside the Station.

MELT:

Manufacturing of

Experimental

Layer

Technology

About the Consortium

SonacaSpace GmbH, since 2016 part of the multinational SonacaGroup, is an specialist in thermal and structural systems for Space. With a decade of experience in Germany and more than 30 years in Belgium, Sonaca Space offers structural systems, thermal systems, Ground Support Equipment, Mechanism and Instruments, as well as various engineering services from its premises in Berlin (Adlershof) and in Gosselies (Belgium).

BEEVERYCREATIVE is a Portuguese company that develops 3D printing technology and intends to be at the forefront of this technology, either by delivering innovative solutions to the market or by developing technology for tailor-made projects

OHB System AG is one of the three leading space companies in Europe. It belongs to listed high-tech group OHB SE, where around 2,400 specialists and executives work on key European space programs. With two strong sites in Bremen and Oberpfaffenhofen and more than three decades of experience, OHB System specializes in high-tech solutions for space, science and industry.

Active Space Technologies is a European based company operating in space, aeronautics, nuclear, defence, and industry. Active Space Technologies offers bespoke electro-mechanical systems for extreme harsh environments, such as instruments and mechanisms, actuators and wireless sensing systems. Their systems are qualified for high-g, high temperature radiation environments.

Their functionality can be modified by doping them with particles with specific properties (e.g., conductive, antimicrobial).

Resistance to radiation: can be used in the open-space environment over a long period of time.

Can be recycled or downcycled.

About BEEVERYCREATIVE

A Portuguese company that develops 3D printing technology and intends to be at the forefront of this technology, either by delivering innovative solutions to the market or by developing technology for tailor-made projects.